GWYNNE KEATHLEY
Park City
Summary
Executive Director with extensive experience in higher education administration, adept at overseeing educational programs, budgeting, and resource allocation. Proven track record in developing strategic partnerships that enhance institutional visibility and community engagement, while driving organizational goals and mission.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
Berkeley
07.2022 - 04.2024
- Oversaw and assessed dynamic portfolio of educational programs, activities, services, and events, ensuring continued success and growth of all offerings within Institute.
- Managed and oversaw Institute’s financial and resource allocations, ensuring appropriate staffing, budget planning, and administrative infrastructure.
- Initiated, developed, and sustained internal and external partnerships, integrating JIDI and its impact into broader University, education, and professional landscapes.
- Administrative management and coordination of the Institute’s governance, including the Jacobs Executive Committee and advisory groups, such as the Industry Advisory Board.
- Representation as spokesperson for the Institute within the University and to the general public.
- Participation in the identification, cultivation, proposal development and stewardship of current and potential funders.
- Supported funding opportunities to secure resources for Institute's initiatives.
- University of California, Berkeley, CA
Executive Director, Academic Affairs & Master of Design
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
Berkeley
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Administered graduate and undergraduate curricular and co-curricular offerings and degree programs at Jacobs Institute.
- Finances, budget, curriculum planning, scheduling, assessment and annual reporting for the Master of Design program.
- Admissions, outreach and recruitment for the Master of Design program.
- Coordinated admissions, outreach, and recruitment strategies for Master of Design program, enhancing program visibility and enrollment.
- Managed finances, budget, curriculum planning, scheduling, assessment, and annual reporting for Master of Design program, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
- University of California, Berkeley, CA
Executive Director, Master of Design
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
Berkeley
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Managed academic administration, overseeing curricular planning, scheduling, lecturer hiring, staffing, and assessment for MDes program.
- Academic and student services for the MDes students, including support of student governance, events, exhibitions, critiques, and activities for the program.
- Directed admissions, outreach, marketing, and recruitment initiatives for MDes program.
- Financial aid, fellowship and scholarship awards for the MDes students.
- Oversaw finances, budgeting, and annual reporting for MDes program.
- University of California, Berkeley, CA
Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Baltimore
07.2013 - 12.2019
- Directed 16 graduate programs and partnered with program directors and faculty to establish the vision and strategy for graduate education at MICA.
- Established academic priorities for graduate programs to enhance educational value for graduate students.
- Oversaw development of graduate curriculum, including new MAs in Illustration & Graphic Design, concentrations in Critical Studies & Curatorial Practice, and shared coursework across liberal arts and studio & professional practices.
- Oversee graduate faculty hiring and evaluation.
- Monitor operational and restricted graduate budgets.
- Informed marketing and promotion strategies for graduate programs.
- Invite students to articulate and contribute to programming and coursework.
- Baltimore, MD
Vice Provost
Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University)
Philadelphia
08.2010 - 06.2013
- As vice provost, I worked collaboratively with the faculty and other university offices to guide and manage key aspects of academic and organizational change through projects.
- Developed and implemented new integrative core curriculum for 16 majors in College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Development and coordination of the process for re-envisioning general education.
- Coordinated new program development under the Academic Growth Plan.
- Explored new academic calendar schedule, including winter term, to optimize educational opportunities and increase flexibility for students and faculty.
- Design of a new first year program for undeclared students called University College: DIY (Discover it Yourself) – launched Fall 2012.
- Re-envisioned and designed honors program to elevate academic excellence and enrich student engagement.
- Philadelphia, PA
Vice Provost
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Baltimore
07.2010 - 06.2013
- Guided faculty and university offices in managing key academic and organizational changes, specifically by developing and implementing a new integrative core curriculum for 16 majors in the College of Design, Engineering and Commerce.
- Developed and coordinated re-envisioning process for general education, aligning curriculum with contemporary educational needs.
- Coordinated new program development under Academic Growth Plan, integrating strategic planning to enhance enrollment.
- Exploration of a new schedule for the academic calendar (including a winter term) to optimize educational opportunities and provide flexibility for students and faculty.
- Design of a new first year program for undeclared students called University College: DIY (Discover it Yourself) – launched Fall 2012.
- Re-envisioned and designed honors program to elevate academic rigor and engagement for high-achieving students.
- Baltimore, MD
Interim Provost
Otis College of Art & Design
Los Angeles
10.2008 - 06.2010
- Led academic planning, managing budget preparation and oversight ($15M) alongside facilities planning for academic areas.
- Guided development of new academic initiatives, including integration of learning e-portfolios, sustainability minor, college-wide learning outcomes, and faculty teaching awards.
- Advanced faculty development through organizing pecha kucha nights and brown-bag pedagogy workshops and discussions.
- Conducted ongoing Program Reviews as part of assessment plan.
- Contributed to the Senior Team and Senior Cabinet.
- Supported the leadership and committees of Academic Assembly and Faculty Senate.
- Los Angeles, CA
Associate Professor of Integrated Design
Parsons School of Design, New School University
New York
08.1997 - 07.2008
- Authored design-based Bachelor of Arts degree as new major at Eugene Lang College, The New School for the Liberal Arts, collaborating with faculty across university to enhance interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Secured plan approval of degree from New York State Education Department, ensuring compliance and academic integrity.
- New York, NY
Education
M. Arch. I - Department of Architecture
Harvard University
Cambridge, MAB.A. - History of Art
Yale University
New Haven, CTMBA for Executives -
Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CASkills
- Higher education administration
- Educational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Program development
- Program assessment
- Partnership development
- Financial management
- Budgeting
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communication strategy
External Boards
- 01/26 - present, Kimball Art Center, Park City, UT, Member of the Board of Directors.
- 09/08 - 07/10, Telic Art Exchange, 951 Chung King Road, Los Angeles, CA, Board member.
- 09/07 - 08/08, Chatham Towers Co-operative, New York, NY, Member of the Board of Directors.
Professional Development
- 09/18, Building Racial Justice in Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 28-hour Workshop Series for White Management and Staff of Nonprofit Organizations.
- 11/18, Remaking Education, Boston, MA, A day-long event hosted by Olin College of Engineering and Emerson College.
- 06/14, Institute for Educational Management, Cambridge, MA, A two-week immersive program for senior-level higher education leaders.
Timeline
Executive Director
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
07.2022 - 04.2024
Executive Director, Academic Affairs & Master of Design
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
09.2021 - 06.2022
Executive Director, Master of Design
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation
01.2020 - 08.2021
Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
07.2013 - 12.2019
Vice Provost
Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University)
08.2010 - 06.2013
Vice Provost
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
07.2010 - 06.2013
Interim Provost
Otis College of Art & Design
10.2008 - 06.2010
Associate Professor of Integrated Design
Parsons School of Design, New School University
08.1997 - 07.2008
M. Arch. I - Department of Architecture
Harvard University
B.A. - History of Art
Yale University
MBA for Executives -
Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley